All images courtesy of Europa, shared with permissionBrandon Morris Spectral Fiberglass Gowns Conjure Fears of the UnknownJanuary 29, 2025ArtGrace EbertWander into New Yorks Europa, and youll encounter a spectral cast devoid of characters. Pale green gowns with ruffled hems, long sleeves, and empire waists haunt the gallery as they hunch and lean as if enlivened by an invisible force. Unsettling and intriguing, the translucent works wouldnt be out of place in a ghostly horror film and are on view for Brandon Morriss solo show, Actress.Born in San Diego and based in New York, Morris is trained in dressmaking, which he applies to fiberglass for this body of work. Using an industrial sewing machine and mannequins, Morris sewed garments based on vintage childrens gowns from the Victorian era. Resin stiffens the clothing and allows each piece to retain its distinctive, upright shape.Ghost Dress 6 (2024), fiberglass, 32 x 27 x 51 inchesA statement about the exhibition shares that the hollow forms offer space to hold our fears and anxieties. Redolent of the supernatural mystery The Ring from 2002itself adapted from the 1998 Japanese film Ringuthe uncanny dresses are unnerving because their gestures and poses are so similar to reality. As they float in the gallery, the garments curved backs and crooked shoulders are out of kilter and offer an air of discomfort.As with the conventions of the horror genre, Morris works are unnerving in part because they leave us with questions: Who wore the garments, and where have they gone? Who, or what, left the dresses in this state? And, perhaps most timely, what insidious forces are hidden in plain sight?Actress continues through February 9. Find more from Morris on Instagram.Ghost Dress 7 (2024), fiberglass, 37 x 37 x 55 inchesGhost Dress 2 (2024), fiberglass, 20 x 20 x 45 inchesNext article